11-2-768
Armed with details from Davarian’s journals, the group portals down to the Arkarash desert to retrieve a time crystal. The arrive in sere plains/mesa. They follow the directions and find some ruins in a deep crater. The depression has been carved out of the ground, with large sloping stepped sides leading down to a single structure in the center. The front door is very ornate with a graphic depiction of 5 statues shedding energy toward a focal point. The outer building is made of stone with most of the artistry done in bronze.
The door opens easily and there is a swirl of magical energy. The group enters the building and emerge in a room much larger than the building outside would have indicated. There is a hazy mist that fills the area. In the center of the space is a large circle ritual. There is a pedestal in the center and 5 large humanoid statues ringing the edge, all facing inward.
After some investigation, they determine that an item is needed to “power” the ritual. The more powerful the item, the less time used to create the time crystal. It is necessary to enter the circle to turn on the ritual. Once it is activated, no one may enter or leave. Only those inside the circle may attempt to claim the crystal after it is created. Also, the statues will animate and attempt to prevent the acquisition of the crystal.
The entire party elects to enter the circle (with Onyx remaining outside). Qweezil uses an Astral Shard (piece of the original Astral Plane) to power the ritual. They estimate 5 minutes total to finish the ritual due to the magical power of the shard.
The ritual is started and combat is joined. The animated statues are very formidable, containing aspects of: magic, divine, elemental, nature, psionic, healing, poison and physical. Through great teamwork and a little bit of luck (and some well placed “Time Hop” abilities) the party survives the ritual and gains the time crystal.
After the battle, Qweezil is interested in doing additional research on the ritual and the pocket dimension in general. The group intends to stay there a few days.